Key Features of eCommerce Software to Sell Office Supplies
If you have decided to sell office supplies online, you need to choose an eCommerce platform that’s been specifically designed for office supplies providers. A full-featured eCommerce solution that combines simplicity with exceptional functionality will work wonders for your business.
Following are the considerations that you need to take into account when selecting an office supplies B2B eCommerce platform:
1/ Does it have Multisite functionality?
Having just one online storefront for all types of customers is not a good proposition. This is not how a B2B eCommerce model works.
B2B and even B2G customers have unique requirements which cannot be managed without a multisite feature.
Multi-site functionality will enable you to create and easily handle multiple storefronts with one backoffice. You can easily make changes and update all your websites at once using a single backoffice.
This is a must-have feature that will allow you to create separate storefronts for each of your large clients. When you provide such custom services, you can expect more sales and increased profits.
B2B customers tend to repurchase the same set of office supplies and place the order in bulk. So make sure your storefronts have features that help to simplify their shopping experience.
2/ Will it integrate with reputed Office Supplies Distributors?
If you are a value-added reseller, you will not manufacture office supplies. Instead, purchase them from leading distributors like Essendant, add value by offering additional services and then resell them to end customers. Essendant office supplies are popular among resellers and customers alike.
To simplify ordering from these distributors, their catalogs should seamlessly connect to your eCommerce solution. This will make ordering a ‘one-click’ process. You can place orders electronically to your respective distributors and save time.
Also, the integration will enable you to receive catalogs in real-time. So if the office supply distributors change product pricing or stock levels of certain products, it will be instantly reflected in your eCommerce backoffice. This will save you from reloading the catalog whenever the distributor changes inventory or any other product information.
Access to real-time product updates will have a positive impact on your bottom line and protect your profit margins.
3/ Does it Provide a Reliable User Experience?
Whether your customers are browsing your website using a laptop or a mobile device, their user experience should be reliable and seamless. An exceptional user experience that is device independent can bring significant benefits in terms of revenue.
A majority of B2B clients use a range of mobile devices while shopping online. In such a case, having a mobile-friendly, responsive website can go a long way in attracting sales. In short, it should support m-commerce which has exhibited exponential growth in the past couple of years.
4/ Is it Designed for International Sales?
Will your eCommerce solution for office supplies allow you to sell internationally? This is an important consideration if you plan to expand your business operations and go global.
Check with the vendor and find out whether the platform supports cross-border eCommerce. To sell overseas, the platform must be multilingual and support multi-currency features. In one study, it was observed that globally, 57% of online purchases come from overseas retailers. This shows that global expansion can be a lucrative option and provide good returns on investment.
Conclusion
To revolutionize your office supplies business online, it is necessary to choose the right platform. Pick the wrong one and you will have a tough time making your business a success. eCommerce for office supplies will bring results only if it is backed by powerful features and delivers an optimum user experience.
